Tesco urged to reconsider its Sunday opening on the Isle of Lewis

Tesco has been accused of sowing division in an island community after deciding to open its local supermarket on Sundays.

The Isle of Lewis has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath and more than 1,800 people have signed an online petition against the supermarket’s measure.

Stornoway Community Council said the debate over the decision had been divisive and has asked Tesco to reconsider.

Tesco has been approached for comment but previously said it had received a “significant amount” of positive responses to the plans.

The store in Stornoway will be open on Sundays from November 17.

The council said some islanders felt “extremely strongly” about the Sunday openings.

It added that not all opponents of the measure were churchgoers.

An open letter to Tesco said: ‘Unfortunately, the language on both sides of the debate has at times been somewhat intemperate.

“It was undoubtedly unintentional, but Tesco’s decision has clearly divided our community.”

It added: “It is still not too late to change our minds and restore harmony to our community.”

Tesco has previously said the new opening hours would create jobs and that no staff would be forced to work on Sundays.

Christian Davies, director of Tesco stores in the Highlands and Islands, told BBC Scotland News last month: “We are confident that the decision to open our Stornoway superstore on Sunday will allow us to balance the demand for a seven-day opening while respecting local traditions and culture.

“Of course we understand that not everyone supports opening the store seven days a week and we will be taking a unique approach to Stornoway with shorter Sunday opening hours than other locations in Scotland.”